How To Reduce Anxiety Naturally

Anxiety and stress can hold you back from living your best life at work and at home. Anyone who suffers from a chronic anxiety condition will confirm that it’s exhausting – both physically and mentally. Anyone who works in a stressful environment will say the same.

If you experience anxiety on a regular basis, you are not alone – in Australia, one in five people experience symptoms of a mental disorder. There’s no need to just ‘deal’ with it; your doctor can help if your nervousness starts controlling your life. But in the meantime, here are some small ways you can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety naturally, and reclaim your day:

Load up on some good fats

Omega 3s have been shown to lower stress chemicals, like cortisol and adrenaline. One of the most well-known sources of Omega 3s is salmon, but walnuts and chia seeds are also packed with good fats. Keep a small stock of nuts or health snack bars in your desk drawer to keep up your supply.

Go outside

Spending time in nature is good for our mental health. When you’re feeling particularly stressed at work, step outside for 10 minutes to rejuvenate. Go for a walk to the park or along the river. Breathe deeply as you move, purposefully leaving your anxiety at your desk. Just 10 minutes can reduce anxiety and calm you down.

When we’re in the middle of a deadline, it’s easy to think we don’t have 10 minutes to take a walk. But taking the time to go for a walk or to bring your reading papers to the park will sufficiently restore you, so that you can go back to the office and power through your deadline. Without a refresh, you could make mistakes that cost you far more than 10 minutes.

Swap coffee out for a herbal tea

Considering it's a stimulant, and that Australians power through many cups a day, it’s no wonder that coffee is linked to an increase in anxiety. Instead of going to the café for your third cup this morning, reach for a cup of chamomile or peppermint tea instead. Most of the time you’re just in the habit, not in need of a heavy caffeine hit.

Buy a box of teabags to put in your drawer, along with a mug you love, and you’ll create a small, inexpensive ritual that calms and restores you when anxiety strikes. If possible, take your tea to a quiet corner of the office and spend a few minutes alone.

Severe anxiety takes professional, ongoing treatment. But there are small, easy ways to alleviate stress at work. Knowing how to manage anxiety when it looms is a powerful tool in promoting your personal mental health, and ensuring you continue performing well at work and in life.